SECTION 260:25-7-1. Purpose and general provisions

(a)   The purpose of the rules in this Part is to establish pay regulations, regulations for performance pay increases, rates for pay differentials, on-call pay, and other types of pay incentives and salary adjustments [74:840-1.6A].

(b)   Pay raises are prohibited unless specifically authorized by legislation or the Merit Rules. A cost-of- living raise or any other type of raise that would be given to state employees on an across-the-board basis is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Legislature [74:840-2.17].

(c)   The rules in this subchapter provide for market adjustments, increases upon lateral transfer, skill- based adjustments, equity-based adjustments, career progression increases, salary adjustments upon completion of the initial probationary period or trial period, and performance-based adjustments. Appointing Authorities may use these pay mechanisms only if funds are available in the agency's budget for the current and subsequent fiscal year without the need for additional funding to increase the personal services budget of the agency. Upon certification from the Director of State Finance that an Appointing Authority has exceeded the agency's budget for the current or subsequent fiscal year due to the use of the pay movement mechanisms listed in this subsection, the Administrator may withdraw authorization for the agency to use the following pay movement mechanisms during the next appropriations cycle: market adjustments, increases upon lateral transfer, equity-based adjustments, performance-based adjustments, and career progression increases [74:840-2.17].

(d)   The rules in this subchapter do not apply to employees and positions in the unclassified service unless stated otherwise.

[Source: Added at 31 Ok Reg 1346, eff 9-12-14]